Hose & Ladder Testing

Hillsborough County is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive fire hose and ground ladder testing services for the Tampa Fire and Rescue Department through a contract covering the years 2024-2026. The procurement specifically requires a testing solution that incorporates computerized technology and UL Certified testing methodologies, explicitly prohibiting manual valve systems that introduce personnel safety risks. The contract entails testing approximately 107,309 feet of fire hoses and 3,723 feet of ground ladders, with testing scheduled during two annual seasons (January-March and October-December). Vendors must demonstrate capabilities in precision service testing, including utilizing electronic pressure transducers, computerized valves, remote pressure release mechanisms, digital pressure readouts, and heavy-duty bar code labeling for equipment identification. The solicitation appears to prioritize technological sophistication and safety, with a clear preference for vendors offering advanced, repeatable testing protocols that minimize human error and operational risks.

The current documentation suggests this opportunity may be structured as a sole-source contract, with FireCatt positioned as the preferred vendor due to its patented testing technology. While no explicit set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements are mentioned, the technical specifications and specialized nature of the testing services might limit competitive bidding. The total contract value is $41,215.22, with pricing structured at $0.28 per foot for hose testing and $2.95 per foot for ground ladder testing. A minimum charge of $1,957.00 applies for departments testing under 5,200 feet of hose, and payment terms include a 45-day window with a 1% monthly service charge for outstanding balances. The contract appears tailored to municipal fire departments requiring sophisticated, technology-driven equipment testing services with a strong emphasis on precision, safety, and comprehensive documentation.